Why Arsenal did the right thing by holding onto Mesut Ozil despite interest

According to The Mirror, Arsenal were offered the chance to sell playmaker Mesut Ozil to a Middle East club but the deal fell through as the Gunners backed off.

The report suggests that since the offer came on deadline day, Arsenal had no time to think of a replacement and eventually called off the proposal.

Ozil, 31, has established himself as one of the best playmakers across Europe during his time at Real Madrid and Arsenal. Coming through Schalke’s youth system, he joined Werder Bremen in 2008 and his performance helped him clinch a spot in Joachim Low’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

He was at his best and played a key role as Germany lifted the title. Soon, he joined Spanish giants Real Madrid and became an instant hit. In his three seasons in Spain, Ozil made 159 appearances in the Royal White colours, scoring 27 goals and providing a whopping 80 assists. He also claimed several trophies with Los Blancos.

In 2013, he moved to the Emirates and became a regular member of Arsenal’s squad. Since Arsene Wenger left, the German came under the light for the wrong reasons and over the last two seasons, he was deprived of game time. And the report suggests that Ozil was willing to listen to offers last month in a bid to seek a move away from the club.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have hit rock-bottom this season, with just 31 points in 25 league games. And they have been struggling in all the areas of the pitch.

Mikel Arteta has only one established attacking midfielder at his disposal in Mesut Ozil and hence, holding onto him was the right decision. He has been at the club for several years and has a contract that runs until the end of the 2020/21 season.

After a poor performance throughout the first half of the season, the World Cup winner seems to be getting back to form. He was instrumental in the club’s win over Manchester United on New Year’s Day and against Leeds United in the FA Cup third round.

The 31-year-old’s assists may have gone down but he continues to be the creative link in the middle of the park for the Gunners. And ever since Arteta took over, he has been lively.

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The German has been influential in three of Arsenal’s FA Cup victories in the past and his experience would be crucial.

Verdict

At 31, he may not be at his peak but given his qualities and experience, the Gunners’ decision to keep him is the right one and they must hold onto him beyond this season as well.